#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Welcome to #worldgeochat everyone ... we're starting the year off by discussing GOAL SETTING.
Let's take a couple of minutes to introduce ourselves.
Remember - we use the Q: & A: reply format for the chat!
Hi everyone! Ed, 7th grade geography teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. I can't wait to hear how everyones summer was as well as how your new school years have started off! #worldgeochat
Wud up!!! Ben, 6th SS/Sci, author, Texan, gardener, traveler, rogue Jedi, kegerator aficionado, back porch enthusiast. :) Love me some #worldgeochat. Welcome back everyone!
WORLDGEOCHAT IS HERE!!!!!!! Hello to all my wonderful friends for #worldgeochat!!! I'm absolutely exhausted after today's first day of school, but I couldn't miss the first night back! Sam here from MA, 7th grade world geo, and 1/8 of the moderation team for #worldgeochat
I know the highlight of my summer was lots of great adventures with family, traveling, reading and watching baseball. Too bad there weren't too many White Sox winners mixed in there. #worldgeochat
Just a reminder that we'll be using the Q/A format & make sure that you use #worldgeochat in your responses.
Question #1 is coming up within the next minute!
Ken from Western Oregon Univ & the Center for Geography Educ in Oregon. I'm going to be in & out, as I have out of state family visiting. Oh, & still in summer mode since we don't start for few more weeks :) #worldgeochat
c/s from NG in DC here. Sorry Iβm a little late! Itβs my favorite teacherβs birthday and had to wish her the happiest of days. (Sheβs also my mom.) #worldgeochat
lol - this is nothing for us (it actually feels cooler than normal for this time of year). It's a bit strange to see how everyone else is dealing with the heat!
#worldgeochat
Just a reminder that we'll be using the Q/A format & make sure that you use #worldgeochat in your responses.
Question #1 is coming up within the next minute!
A1
As awful as it sounds, a personal goal for me this year is to be on Twitter less. It can be an incredible time suck.
Also, work out more, because that seems like a good idea & something I should do.
#worldgeochat#worldgeochatreturns
A1: I'm working SCIENCE into my instruction. My goal is clear... Be the best dual threat I can be. In SS I teach WHO we are. In Sci, I teach WHAT we are. Gotta say, it's #prettycool. :) #worldgeochat
A1 For me teaching pre-service Ts, I want a greater emphasis on ethnic studies, American Indian perspectives (all from geo lens of course) & an emphasis this year on disarming white privilege in social studies curricula #worldgeochat
A1: Take better care of myself, mentally and physically. I've made a lot of progress with anxiety, but it's still a battle. Self-care all the way! #worldgeochat
A1 starting at a new district so I just want to "stay me" despite all the change. I want to not get lost in the shuffle of all the extra "Stuff" #worldgeochat
A1-Going in to year 3 with this content, I feel like I've found my stride! ππ»ββοΈππ»ββοΈπ¨π¨ Now my challenge is to take my #studentlearningtargets and rework lessons to situate them more in the inquiry based format! More #research and #questioning!! π€β #worldgeochat
It baffles me how some schools don't have AC in their schools! They turned off by accident during our last period & we all freaked out! #ACalldayeveryday#worldgeochat
This is a great goal! We have a new AP this year and he's been all over the school! It's been great for Ss & Ts to form that relationship!
#worldgeochat
A1: I'm working on connecting my class with the major themes and questions that are being discussed with the readings in their English class. Hope to create a deeper, interdisciplinary dialogue. #worldgeochat
Welcome to #worldgeochat everyone ... we're starting the year off by discussing GOAL SETTING.
Let's take a couple of minutes to introduce ourselves.
Remember - we use the Q: & A: reply format for the chat!
A1: I'm starting grad school this year, so I am hoping to survive being a student again while also teaching!
Also, going to try to collaborate with other teachers in the building this year. Something I've always wanted to do, but have struggled with.
#worldgeochat
A1 a personal goal this year is less social media. Man, I get sucked into scrolling! I also want to get back into a workout routine. Almost 40 and "walking on the treadmill" isn't cutting it anymore! ;) #worldgeochat
A1: My personal goal this year is try #PBL for real where I am not giving a recipe for a project but working with my S's to create something we both will love. #worldgeochat
I am a new high school modern world history teacher. Lot of geography I can add in. Also coaching football. Whirlwind right now. One goal is to take better care of myself by getting exercise at least 3 days a week. #worldgeochat
A2: Not holding back. The truth is the truth and now that I'm social studies AND science, the gloves are off! Can't wait for those challenging topics! #worldgeochat
A1 One goal I have for the school year is to figure out a better balance between my teaching, planning, extracurricular responsibilities, and personal relationships. Year 6, I should figure it out #worldgeochat
A2-Maps, maps, maps! πΊοΈπΊοΈ I want them using them, manipulating them to find specific information, and making them with lots of different information! Bring on the @googleearth , @NatGeo interactive map, and many more sites for students to dive into! #worldgeochat
A2: I am hoping to work more in-depth about areas around the world that are so often neglected or stereotyped. Africa is more than poverty, Asia is more than China and Japan.
#worldgeochat
A2: I'm really working on developing mindful mapping skills. It's not just about memorizing locations but tying it to our daily question of the day (based on articles & current events).
#worldgeochat
A2: I have 2. To try and teach transferable skills and just as important to try and find something to get students excited about each day. #worldgeochat
A2 With our (Center for Geo Educ in Oregon) giant floor map of the state, a major goal is to create a gerrymandering activity for K12 students to be able to do civic-geo inquiry lessons while interacting with a map they can walk on #worldgeochat
A2 getting Ss to create more visualizations of spatial distributions. Started with question now collecting data. Ss pulling from US census this week. Not as easy as it sounds:) #worldgeochat
A2 My specific goal is to gel with a brand new 3 person team (all in our first year in the district) and re-work the entire curriculum left from retirees to be aligned to our brand new state standards (whew!) #worldgeochat
A2
I know that @ecasey77 & I are in year 2 of global studies. My #geography goal is to make sure Ss are doing real geography rather than just becoming aware of big issues! I need to use more maps (not memorize them :) )
#worldgeochat
That's a lot of work, but how much fun to build a new curriculum with a new team! I bet there are so many great ideas flying when you guys meet. #worldgeochat
A2: I would like to incorporate more of global goals into my curriculum so my students get more exposure to them than I have given in the past. I also want to figure out how to create less paper waste through the use of technology. #worldgeochat
A2) I plan to talk about geography quite a bit in World History this year. So many geopolitical issues, redrawing of maps, and other things in the 20th century. #worldgeochat
A2 #worldgeochat My geography goal for the year is to integrating a map skills activity into each World History unit so that students can develop deeper understandings how geography and history are interconnected.
Is your global studies course specifically a geography course? I ask because some people out here teach theirs as another World History course or thematic topics. So kind of taking an informal poll. #worldgeochat
We just went over the Global Goals in class & my Ss called me out about some classroom practices that weren't "sustainable"! It was interesting to see how invested they were in understanding them!
#worldgeochat
No doubt! Equipping students with skills they need in social studies as well as beyond. Also, getting them to use those skills to take action. That is my goal. #worldgeochat
A2 -- My goal is to put together a seminar series for my APHG students. I working on someone from the CDC and CNN, but also I have several former students coming to share their world experiences and current professions #worldgeochat
It's definitely more geography based. We switched from regions to themes to make our curriculum something that evolves over time. Its great, just need to bring the GEO! #worldgeochat
This is a great idea! I generated a list for their summer assignment, but I think that it would be awesome for Ss to develop a list for future Ss!!
#worldgeochat
A3: Again I have 2. One is a greater emphasis on civil discourse. Conversation is key to learning and understanding. My second is media literacy. There is so much info out there. They need to know how to make sense of it all. #worldgeochat
A3: Our school is focusing on being more positive, after years of working towards this goal we are starting to see the tree bear fruit. I hope that students keep working towards making our school culture even better yet!
#worldgeochat
A3 I want my students to embrace the @sourcesstrength program we are implementing. I want them to take it serious. I want them to know they WILL make a difference. #worldgeochat
A3 Get my university Ss prepared to teach Ss critical analysis skills, multiple perspectives, & an understanding that geography is THE MOTHER DISCIPLINE #worldgeochat
A3: I want my Ss to learn to think for themselves - not what they believe I want them to think, or their friends, or a regurgitation (sp?) of family members ... but actually THINKING FOR THEMSELVES!!
#worldgeochat
A3: To be better stewards of each other's feelings. So many cruel little moments are delivered without a single thought. I'm trying to help kids understand empathy and how it makes us ALL better. #worldgeochat#greatquestion
A3-Writing in every unit! ππLooking at my students' writing & previous data, I really want to help them grow! Whether it is an opinion question or a justification of thinking, I want to plan for it in each unit. AND plan on giving them lots of #feedback! #worldgeochat
A3: Just getting them to see that they are in the class together , can help each other out more and build more of the working relationships. #worldgeochat
Cool! I taught a global studies course years ago, but my district wanted it thematic (i.e. terrorism, comparative religions, etc.). Always interesting to see what different schools, districts, states want w/ global studies #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat a3 goals for students.... I'm now in 7the grade with my kids from last year... soooo many personal goals for this year beyond geography. I want them to support each other and grow as a community.
That's funny. I am sure my S's will call me out on sustainability - I make my own "textbook." While somethings need printing like maps to label, I want to put everything I can online to solve my own problem. #worldgeochat
A3
Coming in late
I want to have ss do more with taking informed action and informing others about global issues. Making people aware of what is happening and what they can do about it.
#worldgeochat
A3: I want students to become confident in their learning. All students learn differently and I want to allow them the opportunity to explore what works for them. #worldgeochat
A3
My goal for my Ss this year is to EMPATHIZE. I know that middle schoolers have a reputation of being self centered, but they can & DO amazing things for others when they know how to empathize!
#worldgeochat
A3 Wanting Ss to appreciate and reflect and how they are constantly learning through experiences inside and outside the classroom. Just need them to let go a bit and enjoy the learning rush. #worldgeochat
A3 I guess my last answer was geo related but I want them to apply that outside of geography and to their school/community. Be more civic minded #worldgeochat
This sounds great, Jennifer. CDC is a terrific idea. A left-field guest we had come in several years ago was a spice buyer. He brought this really fresh perspective on land-use. And talked about walking in a cinnamon forest, which, well, awesome. #worldgeochat
A3 - My goal for my students this year is to increase collaboration and develop interpersonal conversational skills that cannot be developed fully though social media #worldgeochat
A4: I think we are our own biggest obstacles to our goals. It's easy to do the same old, same old. A lot more difficult to try something new.
#worldgeochat
A4 Trying to stay true to them as the requirements of school and life add new challenges each day. Also, I need a better system to self monitor. #worldgeochat
A4 managing stress, workload implementing school improvement. It's easy to fall back on the familiar when things get hectic. Dealing with this now due to iPad rollout. #worldgeochat
A4: Resistance to exploration would prevent students from allowing themselves to see what works for them. I am attempting more standards-based grading this year, so I'm hoping this will allow students to explore. Also, self-care always finds itself on the backburner #worldgeochat
A4
Biggest roadblock is time. I rarely take the time to reflect on what I did or think about how my progress is going. I feel like I'm going nonstop. #worldgeochat
A4-Time!! β²οΈβοΈI always need more! Time to discuss, time to research, time to plan, time to grade! I need to prioritize what is important and better use my time at work. #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat a4 roadblocks. Realistically, I know the mindset of my kids can also pull them down or speed them up. They have fears and confidences that I'm not familiar with yet after spending 15 years in 6th grade. #learningcurves#welcometo7thgrade
A3: I want my students to figure out what it takes for them to be an independent good student: study skills, executive functioning, remembering to do HW. 6th grade is a pivotal year- if students figure out the keys to success now, they are successful later #worldgeochat
So true! They're no longer elementary Ss, but not full-blown middle schoolers yet. It's awesome that you're helping them learn the key skills for success!
#worldgeochat
A4: When it comes to goals, I tend to not have the greatest sense of follow-through. Accountability and reminders are huge for me as I focus in and get things done! #worldgeochat
A4 I feel I could have all the time in the world and would still need more time. ex. While I finish instruction, I have never finished a lesson. 13 yrs. and still waiting for that perfect lesson #worldgeochat
A4: echoing what I'm seeing a lot of other people say. Time is by far the biggest roadblock. With 42 minute periods it can seem impossible to teach BOTH content and allow ample time to practice skills #worldgeochat
A5 Using geo-inquiry & the inquiry design model (https://t.co/gwSnssVwyn), which has Ss analyzing & looking at resources from mult perspectives #worldgeochat
A4 continued. Consistent attendance is also an issue at our school. We should be more proactive in addressing those concerns, but it's hard to continue an assignment when students are consistently missing pieces of it. #worldgeochat
A5: Bringing more mindfulness into the classroom. Students find it silly at first, but over time, most students express how helpful it's been to simply color, breathe, journal, and more within a classroom setting #worldgeochat
Thank you. 6th grade was my worst year in school but I learned a lot strategies that I pass on to my students for that reason. It's why I teach. #worldgeochat
A5: During some self-led PD this summer I heard the phrase "keep your tool belt light" when it comes to new ideas and resources. I'm choosing to focus in on two big interests (podcasts and virtual field trips) for the year instead of a billion things #worldgeochat
A5-I review my teacher reflections from last year as I plan for upcoming units... helps me remember what works well and what needs to be changed. I am also a huge fan of accomplishable to-do lists! ππ Keeps me on track! #worldgeochat
A5 GAMIFICATION! I am going to be bringing #classroomcampaigns to @WaunakeeCSD whether theyre ready for it or not, but I have seen so much positive engagement and learning coming out of it that it is the number one strategy in my arsenal #worldgeochat
#Worldgeochat a5 strategies to achieve goals. Well, we're six days into the school year. So a lot of it is still planning stages. We're be using quintile reports from @eduphoria to help pair student learning needs. We'll also set TTESS growth goals.
A5: Working with our 2 learning support coaches, who are both phenomenal, has been invaluable working towards my professional goals as well as my goals for my students. #worldgeochat
A5
Oooh! I have an answer for this!!!
Accountability Buddies! It was the best way to keep Ss accountable!
And I have a #worldgeochat post about it!
https://t.co/EuHEC2L5Fh
A5: I try to teach to my students, not the test. So a lot of what we do is goal-driven using things they can relate to - like movies, video games, etc. #worldgeochat
I bought a Happy Planner last year bc I wanted to get organized (& hey - they have tons of stickers!). It's really helped me & some Ss started using planners too!
#worldgeochat
A5 Frequent check ins with our 7th grade curriculum team also is key to creating great learning experiences for students. Plus we have a ton of laughs which always boosts my spirits! #worldgeochat
A4: It's me. Control is an issue for me. I want to give my students the freedom to do #PBL, but there is a part of me that is terrified we will do it wrong, and that we will waste a whole bunch of time (or a unit) that we can't get back. #worldgeochat
Not necessarily, to be honest (and unhelpful). I do things mainly in the moment. I usually start weeks off with deep breaths in the classroom. I use https://t.co/8i7L2G1Von when students are reading #worldgeochat
A5: After attending #AVID summer institute this summer I'm inspired to take back some of the strategies around note taking and skill building. Personally and professionally the key has always been to collaborate with my amazing colleagues #worldgeochat
Totally have the Cardi B meme on the outside of my door to remind Ss to get a tardy pass!
I'm going to change it up every month with a new viral meme!
#worldgeochat#noshame
A6: As with all things in education, it depends on the student and their own goals. Could be a new style of taking notes, textbook reading, analyzing primary sources, etc. Different for each student. #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat a6 strategies to achieve student goals. We've talked this year about student motivation and finding out what motivates them & working with it. Do they need food rewards? parent phone calls? Or do they want praise- whole class or individual. #whatsuccesslookslike
A6
so far this year I've really preached giving an honest best effort.
I will provide specific feedback if the product is not where it needs to be and they can fix and re submit for a better grade.
Early in the year but work quality the first time is better
#worldgeochat
A6: I've set up tutoring days that focus on specific skills that will help Ss prepare for their AP exam.
The first couple of session topics are "Notetaking 101," "Summarization," and "Annotating Texts".
#worldgeochat
Is that a sigh like "oh man we need to get on that but we are so far behind" or is it a sigh like "I REALLY wish people would quit asking me that"? π #worldgeochat
A6-I teach note taking skills and internet searching skills throughout the year. Plus EVERYTHING we do in class goes on our @googleclassroom page... every video, website, map, etc. Don't remember? You have the resources to figure it out. #Iamnotgoogle#worldgeochat
#worldgeochat a6 (Also with a data driven focus on campus, we'll be spending more time with individual students looking at what we can do to improve academic performance in the face of adversity).
A6: I've been working to streamline my paper flow, absent work, and feedback through #googleclassroom. Although we have limited technology access, I find that it keeps me organized and gives my students a place to access the resources we use outside of class #worldgeochat
They're open to the AP Ss, but if I get feedback from other Ss that they would like them - well then, I'll be doing more tutoring sessions!
#worldgeochat
A5: I use understanding by design when planning a unit, so I do that with a goal. I look at what I want to get out of it, ask essential questions: what needs to get done? Who's involved? Then set a timeline for research, planning, and execution. #worldgeochat
Must write goals. I either have students do it in our learning platform or I give them post it's and they move them to different sides of the board that tells where they are. #worldgeochat
I've looked up methods of note taking from mind-mapping, to sketchnoting, to Cornell Notes (etc...). Ss will gallery walk through the different styles & then discuss pos/neg of each. Then we'll look at the text/content & find a style that works for them.
#worldgeochat
I love this idea! I might float this to the rest of our department. Perhaps we could each take a tutoring session @ashlynslater5- what do you think? #worldgeochat
We created a collage of all these different note taking styles and taped them on each table. I remind students to look as try a different note taking strategy until they find what works for them. #worldgeochat
A7: the obvious pre/post for summarize data, but we also use Flipgrid to reflect on the fly as well as saving all essays for a growth portfolio at the end of the year. #worldgeochat
A7: This year, I am putting a little more work on myself to try to provide as much feedback as possible with exploration, genius hour and standards. Google Forms, logs, etc. #worldgeochat
A7: Friggin' TALK TO THEM. In the bus line, at lunch, just start talking. Data, testing, standards, etc. shows you a small, simple piece of the puzzle. Talk to them. HEAR what they know. They'll appreciate you for taking the time. #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat a7 monitoring student-self progress goals. (I'm really, really okay six days into the school year saying that I haven't figured that out yet... but I will by next week.)
A7 I am trying to get a checklist together for their Learning Logs. basically to go behind and see if they can check the boxes of their planners and then an "assignment checker" to compare grades as they come in #worldgeochat
A7: I am a BIG google forms nerd when it comes to this stuff. I teach cyber, so emailing these out to the Ss is important - that and enforcing self-monitoring. Idealistic, but so effective when they rock it! #worldgeochat
A7-They need to own their own data and progress. We have several student conferences throughout the year; while students are working on their choice board assignments, I pull individuals and have some honest conversations about their progress. #glowsandgrows π±π #worldgeochat
A7 Our plan is to check in once a week on progress and make adjustments, if necessary. Also, thank you @cheffernan75 for the accountability buddies idea. #worldgeochat
I use it with my college students too. Great for reactions to a primary source and/or reading. I had my APWH students use it to reflect on our time speaking with a Holocaust survivor. Authentic, real, and beautiful. #worldgeochat
Thanks #worldgeochat team for making me see tonight how much I've already grown this year and what the road I plan to take over the next 37 weeks with my students!
A7: Student led data analysis- students engage with their own progress. Students track standards across a bar graph to create a visual of their strengths and weaknesses, then set goals. and complete assignments based on their goals. #worldgeochat
Alrighty ... that was a very quick (but soooo informative) #worldgeochat !
So glad that we're back at it this year & sharing more resources than ever before!
I hope everyone has a wonderful evening & an awesome rest of the week!
